By BIPIN DANI
Meher Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who turned Sri Lanka's "hero" in 2009 met Kumar Sangakkara during the recent trip to Pakistan.
Former Sri Lanka captain and wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who happens to be the first Asian president of the world's most famous cricket club-MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) has taken his team to Pakistan to play one 50-over game and three T20 matches in Lahore.
Speaking exclusively over telephone from Lahore, Meher Khalil said, "I met Sangakkara at the Aitcheson College ground in Lahore before the match. It was my pleasure to meet the legend".
Incidentally, Sangajkkara was a member of the squad which was attacked by the terrorist attack on 3rd March in 2009. "It was Sangakkara's first visit after the incident and he did enquire about the country and wished me well".
"We are fortunate enough to have a great cricketer in our country and I am sure he will encourage the other countries to come and play here".
Meher Khalil had earned fame and success after saving Sri Lanka’s cricket team from a deadly 2009 attack in Pakistan. He was even invited by the Sri Lankan government and was accorded the VIP treatment during his stay in Sri Lanka.
"I could not meet Sangakkara during my Sri Lanka visit but I had met him in South Africa when he toured with the team there. I was employed in South Africa for a short period", Khalil added.
Playing golf
The 43-year-old Sangakkara also played golf in Lahore.
“MCC team enjoyed a bright sunny day in Lahore with a game of golf” , the PCB official said.
"President Kumar Sangakkara and other members of the squad were seen playing on their rest day", the official added.
